Melton war hero dies aged 100

John Waddy, one of the last surviving Arnhem heroes stationed in the Melton area during the Second World War, who has died aged 100 EMN-200929-122640001

Colonel John Waddy, one of the few surviving veterans from that famous battle, which was immortalised in the 1977 Hollywood movie, ‘A Bridge Too Far’, has passed away aged 100.

John stayed at Newport Lodge Stables with his comrades in 156 Battalion, the Parachute Regiment, during the war and he regularly returned to the town for the annual reunion events at Saltby Airfield, where the troops flew out from, and Melton’s St Mary’s Church, up until three years ago.

Durng the Battle of Arnhem, where he was a Major and commander of B company, he was badly wounded and was taken prisoner by the Germans.

Major John Waddy pictured during the Second World War in 1944 EMN-200929-123224001

John, who was awarded an OBE, celebrated his 100th birthday only in June and enjoyed telling stories about his forces service - he went on to become a full colonel and commanding officer of the SAS.

His close friend, Rosie Anderson, said: “Right to the end he was telling stories and he never lost his sense of humour.

“156 was his second family and he was always very happy to know that so many of us want to keep in touch and meet up as much as we are able to.

“Long may the association continue, and the wonderful John Waddy will always be our leader, even if it is in spirit only.”

Ann Waddy, who worked at Melton's Remount Centre in 1944 when she met eventual husband John, who was stationed in the town with 156 Parachute Regiment EMN-200929-123234001

John, who lived his final years in Somerset, was very fond of his time in Melton, where he met his wife, Ann, during the war.

Ann worked at the town’s Remount Depot - now the Defence Animal Training Regiment - and was introduced to John at one of the many gatherings organised by residents at private houses in Melton.

She was one of at least four girls who worked at the Remount Depot who met and married officers from 156 Battalion.

They would have been regulars at Saturday dances in 1944 at the Corn Exchange in Nottingham Street, where paratroopers mixed with young women from the depot, Land Army girls from local farms, and the Army NAAFI.

Colonel John Waddy, pictured celebrating his 100th birthday in June this year
Photo Richard Watt

07836 515306 EMN-200929-123244001 — Colonel John Waddy, pictured celebrating his 100th birthday in June this year Photo Richard Watt 07836 515306 EMN-200929-123244001

John was one of 603 men who parachuted into Ginkel Heath for Operation Market Garden in September 1944 - only 26 returned to Melton later that month while a further 10 escaped across the Rhine through German lines.

He was seriously wounded whilst leading an attack against German SS troops.

An operation was carried out on him on a billiard table at the Tafelberg Hotel but here he was wounded twice more, as the hospital was on the front line in the village of Oosterbeek. Lucky to survive, he spent the rest of the war in a PoW camp.

John continued his military career after the war serving as 2ic of 2 Para before taking over as Colonel Commandant of the SAS Regiment.

His final military role was serving alongside the Americans as an observer in Vietnam where he saw the value of using helicopters for the swift movement of troops and, upon his return, recommending their use in special forces.

On his retirement from the Army, he joined Westland Helicopters, advising on their development and safety for troop transport.

John’s breadth of knowledge was sought by the producers of A Bridge Too Far, which starred Sean Connery and Michael Caine, and he was chosen to be their military advisor.